due diligence

If there are lingering gender biases in the financial world, advisers had best banish them fast: Women account for 40% of affluent investors, have different needs than men -- and know exactly what they want from their advisers.

As multiple lawsuits and SEC actions progress in relation to the nation's mortgage mess, it's becoming clear that the misbehaviors of the lawyers involved at all stages were not isolated incidents: The misconduct was systemic, and it's time to start holding those lawyers accountable.